I have just been involved in a situation where temporary loss of neutral on a TNCS system caused thousands of pounds worth of damage. It seems this loss of neutral situation, either within or outside the installation, is occurring more frequently. SPDs are now commonly fitted but at DBS and generally with a Up in the order of 860v, so giving no protection on loss of neutral in a three-phase and neutral system. Cost benefit analysis across the national spectrum might not support a compulsion but is it time designers should be raising the issue with clients and at least offering a solution. On the other hand, is there a packaged solution?
I don't fully agree. The issue with extensive damage to equipment from a broken neutral event, particularly in three-phase installations, is the unpredictability. The neutral moves to a point depending on the balance of the phases. As overvoltage damages equipment, the loading changes, and the Neutral shifts. The cycle may go on for a number of minutes - and so potentially such a device could be used to limit damage.
Perhaps less use in single-phase systems, but then again, if your device tripped out on undervoltage, it could very well save your TV and other expensive stuff when the Neutral shifts and puts you in overvoltage condition.
I don't fully agree. The issue with extensive damage to equipment from a broken neutral event, particularly in three-phase installations, is the unpredictability. The neutral moves to a point depending on the balance of the phases. As overvoltage damages equipment, the loading changes, and the Neutral shifts. The cycle may go on for a number of minutes - and so potentially such a device could be used to limit damage.
Perhaps less use in single-phase systems, but then again, if your device tripped out on undervoltage, it could very well save your TV and other expensive stuff when the Neutral shifts and puts you in overvoltage condition.
